Traveling at high altitudes can be dangerous. This article is for educational purposes only and it does not replace specialized training and related experience. Princeton University and the author of this article are not responsible for any personal use of this content or reference materials. This article attempts to provide laymen with basic materials on mountain diseases. Medical research on alpine disease is constantly expanding our knowledge of its causes and diagnosis. When you decide to go to a high altitude area, you should keep up with the latest information in this area. The information contained herein may be out of date.
High altitude - we are always intoxicated by the extraordinary sight above the mountains. However, height itself carries risks. It is very important to understand these risks. Its harm is decisive for mountain diseases. Fly from New York to Denver (1525m) and drove up to the foot of the mountain (2438m) in the afternoon. Then go on foot to Camp 1 (2,745 meters). The next day, another 3048 meters. You start to get into a severe headache and feel nauseous and weak. If the situation is worse, you may find it difficult to travel. This situation is not uncommon. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand the physiological effects of height.
What is height?
The heights are defined by the following levels: high (2438-3658 m [8000-12000 ft]), very high (3658-5487 m [12000-18000 ft]), extremely high (over 5500 m [18000+ ft]) ). Since few people have been to such heights, it is difficult to know who will be affected by them. Factors such as age, gender, and physical condition are not related to whether they are susceptible to mountain sickness. Some people are harmed while others are not tired. Some people seem to be more vulnerable than others. Most people have only a minimal feeling about 2438 meters. If you never climb to a certain height, staying alert is necessary. If you have ever reached a certain height without difficulty, and with proper adaptation, you can usually return to this height without difficulty.
The cause of mountain sickness:
At sea level, the oxygen concentration is 21% and the atmospheric pressure averages 760 mmHg. As the height increases, its concentration does not change, but the number of oxygen molecules per unit of air decreases. At an altitude of 3658 meters, the atmospheric pressure is only 483 mm Hg, and the number of oxygen molecules per unit of air is approximately 40% less than its normal value. In order to meet the body's full oxygen supply. You must speed up the breathing (even at rest). This extra breathing increases the oxygen content in the blood, but it has not reached the concentration at sea level. Since the amount of oxygen required to maintain physical activity is the same, the body must adapt to the hypoxic environment. In addition, for reasons not yet fully understood, high altitude and low air pressure can cause body fluids to escape from the capillaries, causing body fluids to accumulate in the lungs and brain. Without adequate adaptation and exposure to high altitudes for a long time, there are potentially serious consequences, and even life-threatening illnesses.
Adaptability:
The main cause of mountain sickness is too fast to too high. At a given time, the body tries to adapt to the height-induced decrease in oxygen molecules, a process that is known as a highly adaptive process. This process usually takes 1 to 3 days. For example: If the body reaches a height of 3048 meters and stays at this height for several days, the body can adapt to this height. When up to 3658 meters, the body will try to adapt to this new height. This gradual, adaptive change allows the body to better withstand anoxic conditions.
Increases the depth of breathing.
The pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases, forcing the blood to flow to parts of the lung that normally do not work at low altitudes.
The body produces more red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Produce more body-friendly enzymes.
Oxygen in the heme is released and transported to the body organ tissue.
Prevent mountain sickness
There are two ways to prevent alpine disease, adequate adaptation and drug prevention. The following are the basic guidelines for implementing an adaptive process:
When possible, avoid flying directly to a higher altitude by plane or car. It is best to start walking from a place less than 3048 meters.
If you are traveling by plane or car directly to this altitude, do not overdo it and continue to ascend within 24 hours. At altitudes above 3048, climb only 305 meters a day. A rest of the day should be taken for every 915 meters.
Climbing high and sleeping low are the strategies most often used by climbers. As long as you can return to a place where the altitude is relatively low, you can climb more than 305 meters in one day.
If you have already exhibited symptoms of early alpine disease, do not try to relieve symptoms until it is relieved.
If symptoms worsen, be sure to go down!
Remember: different people adapt differently. Before continuing to climb, be absolutely sure that all companions have fully adapted.
The body should maintain adequate moisture. Dehydration is usually associated with the adaptation process. Therefore, drink plenty of water to maintain the water (at least 3 - 4 liters of water per day). The amount of urine should be adequate and clear.
When you reach the high altitude area for the first time, you should relax as much as possible, but do not force yourself. It is better to perform some light activities during the day than lying down. This is because respiratory function weakens during sleep and worsens the symptoms.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other drugs that have a calming effect such as barbiturates, tranquilizers and sleeping pills. During sleep, such tranquilizing drugs further weaken the respiratory system and worsen the symptoms.
Eat foods that contain high carbohydrates (more than 70% of calories come from carbohydrates).
The adaptation process is hampered by dehydration, overwork, drinking and taking tranquilizers.
Drug prevention
Diamox: This medicine can speed up breathing to help metabolize more oxygen, thereby reducing the symptoms caused by hypoxia. It has a good effect on improving respiratory function at nighttime sleep. Since it takes a certain period of time for the drug to work after it has been taken, it should be taken 24 hours before the start of the climb and continued for at least 5 days after the last climb. The recommendation of the medical department of the Himalayan Relief Association is to take 125 mg twice a day, twice daily (in the morning and once in the evening), (the standard dosage is 250 mg each time, but their study shows that for most people, reducing the amount of their efficacy There is no difference, some people may still need to take 250 mg). The possible side effects of the drug are numbness of the lips and fingertips, blurred vision, and altered taste. The correct use should be based on the doctor's prescription. Diamox is a sulfa drug. Sulfa allergy is banned. It has been found that Diamox can also cause an allergic reaction to a history of sulfa-non-allergic reactions. Dr. Frank Hubbel recommends that the drug be tested before the trip. Because of serious allergic reactions in some remote areas is difficult to treat.
Dexamethasone: The drug is prescribed for the treatment of brain and other organ edema caused by acute mountain sickness. Dosages are taken twice daily, 4 mg each time. Taking this medicine should begin a few days before climbing. Because it may cause serious side effects, you should only follow the doctor's advice and take this medicine with caution.
High altitude - we are always intoxicated by the extraordinary sight above the mountains. However, height itself carries risks. It is very important to understand these risks. Its harm is decisive for mountain diseases. Fly from New York to Denver (1525m) and drove up to the foot of the mountain (2438m) in the afternoon. Then go on foot to Camp 1 (2,745 meters). The next day, another 3048 meters. You start to get into a severe headache and feel nauseous and weak. If the situation is worse, you may find it difficult to travel. This situation is not uncommon. Therefore, it is extremely important to understand the physiological effects of height.
What is height?
The heights are defined by the following levels: high (2438-3658 m [8000-12000 ft]), very high (3658-5487 m [12000-18000 ft]), extremely high (over 5500 m [18000+ ft]) ). Since few people have been to such heights, it is difficult to know who will be affected by them. Factors such as age, gender, and physical condition are not related to whether they are susceptible to mountain sickness. Some people are harmed while others are not tired. Some people seem to be more vulnerable than others. Most people have only a minimal feeling about 2438 meters. If you never climb to a certain height, staying alert is necessary. If you have ever reached a certain height without difficulty, and with proper adaptation, you can usually return to this height without difficulty.
The cause of mountain sickness:
At sea level, the oxygen concentration is 21% and the atmospheric pressure averages 760 mmHg. As the height increases, its concentration does not change, but the number of oxygen molecules per unit of air decreases. At an altitude of 3658 meters, the atmospheric pressure is only 483 mm Hg, and the number of oxygen molecules per unit of air is approximately 40% less than its normal value. In order to meet the body's full oxygen supply. You must speed up the breathing (even at rest). This extra breathing increases the oxygen content in the blood, but it has not reached the concentration at sea level. Since the amount of oxygen required to maintain physical activity is the same, the body must adapt to the hypoxic environment. In addition, for reasons not yet fully understood, high altitude and low air pressure can cause body fluids to escape from the capillaries, causing body fluids to accumulate in the lungs and brain. Without adequate adaptation and exposure to high altitudes for a long time, there are potentially serious consequences, and even life-threatening illnesses.
Adaptability:
The main cause of mountain sickness is too fast to too high. At a given time, the body tries to adapt to the height-induced decrease in oxygen molecules, a process that is known as a highly adaptive process. This process usually takes 1 to 3 days. For example: If the body reaches a height of 3048 meters and stays at this height for several days, the body can adapt to this height. When up to 3658 meters, the body will try to adapt to this new height. This gradual, adaptive change allows the body to better withstand anoxic conditions.
Increases the depth of breathing.
The pressure in the pulmonary arteries increases, forcing the blood to flow to parts of the lung that normally do not work at low altitudes.
The body produces more red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Produce more body-friendly enzymes.
Oxygen in the heme is released and transported to the body organ tissue.
Prevent mountain sickness
There are two ways to prevent alpine disease, adequate adaptation and drug prevention. The following are the basic guidelines for implementing an adaptive process:
When possible, avoid flying directly to a higher altitude by plane or car. It is best to start walking from a place less than 3048 meters.
If you are traveling by plane or car directly to this altitude, do not overdo it and continue to ascend within 24 hours. At altitudes above 3048, climb only 305 meters a day. A rest of the day should be taken for every 915 meters.
Climbing high and sleeping low are the strategies most often used by climbers. As long as you can return to a place where the altitude is relatively low, you can climb more than 305 meters in one day.
If you have already exhibited symptoms of early alpine disease, do not try to relieve symptoms until it is relieved.
If symptoms worsen, be sure to go down!
Remember: different people adapt differently. Before continuing to climb, be absolutely sure that all companions have fully adapted.
The body should maintain adequate moisture. Dehydration is usually associated with the adaptation process. Therefore, drink plenty of water to maintain the water (at least 3 - 4 liters of water per day). The amount of urine should be adequate and clear.
When you reach the high altitude area for the first time, you should relax as much as possible, but do not force yourself. It is better to perform some light activities during the day than lying down. This is because respiratory function weakens during sleep and worsens the symptoms.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol and other drugs that have a calming effect such as barbiturates, tranquilizers and sleeping pills. During sleep, such tranquilizing drugs further weaken the respiratory system and worsen the symptoms.
Eat foods that contain high carbohydrates (more than 70% of calories come from carbohydrates).
The adaptation process is hampered by dehydration, overwork, drinking and taking tranquilizers.
Drug prevention
Diamox: This medicine can speed up breathing to help metabolize more oxygen, thereby reducing the symptoms caused by hypoxia. It has a good effect on improving respiratory function at nighttime sleep. Since it takes a certain period of time for the drug to work after it has been taken, it should be taken 24 hours before the start of the climb and continued for at least 5 days after the last climb. The recommendation of the medical department of the Himalayan Relief Association is to take 125 mg twice a day, twice daily (in the morning and once in the evening), (the standard dosage is 250 mg each time, but their study shows that for most people, reducing the amount of their efficacy There is no difference, some people may still need to take 250 mg). The possible side effects of the drug are numbness of the lips and fingertips, blurred vision, and altered taste. The correct use should be based on the doctor's prescription. Diamox is a sulfa drug. Sulfa allergy is banned. It has been found that Diamox can also cause an allergic reaction to a history of sulfa-non-allergic reactions. Dr. Frank Hubbel recommends that the drug be tested before the trip. Because of serious allergic reactions in some remote areas is difficult to treat.
Dexamethasone: The drug is prescribed for the treatment of brain and other organ edema caused by acute mountain sickness. Dosages are taken twice daily, 4 mg each time. Taking this medicine should begin a few days before climbing. Because it may cause serious side effects, you should only follow the doctor's advice and take this medicine with caution.
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